Summer Barbecue Challenge: Kibbeh

I know I don't always join the various foodie events out there; most often, I simply can't find the time. But I absolutely had to get involved with the Summer Barbecue Challenge, because Lyn is one of my favorite bloggers.

I really didn't know what to make...we, too, rarely utilize our grill, or experiment much. Then I got one of my various cooking magazines, and found a recipe for kibbeh.

Kibbeh is a major class of dishes throughout the Middle East; typically made from a shell of lamb (ground to a paste), mixed with grain (bulgar or rice can be used), and stuffed with any number of things, and grilled.

I liked the idea, but wanted to play around with it. Then I had a plan: why not combine two of Matt's favorite things? Lamb, and Persian rice.

Whenever I make Persian rice, Matt makes some sort of lamb. Putting them together? Brilliant!


Persian Kibbeh

1/2 lb. ground lamb
3/4 c. basmati rice, cooked and cooled
grated onion
aleppo pepper

Filling:

1/4 lb. ground lamb
water
1/2 c. pistachios, chopped
1/4 c. dill, chopped
finely chopped onion
olive oil, for frying

For shell: Process onion and ground lamb for shell till paste; add rice and knead till firmly smooth. Chill.

For filling: sautee onion, add lamb and cook briefly. Add some water, and cook over low heat until water is evaporate and lamb is brown and crispy. Mix in remaining ingredients; cook briefly and cool.

To form: use small amounts of ground lamb to form football shapes; stuff with filling, seal and grill till desired doneness.

Thanks, Lyn; can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!


Blog Party#10 is less than a week away, and this month we're having a Garden Party! Cute little sandwiches, and that perfect cup of tea...won't you join us? Entries are due 18 May, that's this Thursday....can't wait to see you there!


Tagged with: Food and Drink + Barbecue + Events + Lamb + Rice